Acton Park’s 480-year old Sweet Chestnut in running for European Tree of the Year!
A 480-year old Sweet Chestnut tree in Wrexham’s Acton Park is in the running to be crowned European Tree of the Year.
The tree, which dates back to 1534, has already secured first place in the Woodland Trust’s 2023 UK ‘Tree of the Year’ competition.
It saw off 12 other nominees throughout the UK to win the prestigious award.
This accolade automatically puts it through to the European stages where it will compete with trees from all over Europe to claim the title.
Voting for the European Tree of the Year title opened today (February 1) and will close and ends on Wednesday 21 February.
Standing an impressive 24 metres tall and boasting a 6.1m circumference, this veteran tree is estimated to be approximately 480 years old – which means it began growing during the times of King Henry VIII.
It has withstood many challenges during its half-millennium, from post-war plundering of the park for firewood in the forties to dozens of deadly storms, including that of 2021 when many neighbouring trees lost limbs or were toppled completely.
Trees are well-known and celebrated in Wrexham; in 2022 Coed Cadw (the Woodland Trust in Wales) awarded a total of £294,845 from its Emergency Tree Fund to Wrexham County Borough Council to support the Wrexham Forest partnership project, which seeks to increase trees and woodland across the county.
Through implementing its Tree and Woodland Strategy and engaging partners, businesses, groups and individuals, the project is creating a county-wide, collective commitment to enhancing and protecting trees and woodland.
Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for the Environment, said, “This is a truly incredible tree and is a firm favourite of many generations of people in the area.
“Please take the time to cast your vote and to spread the word to ensure it receives the recognition it deserves across Europe.”
To celebrate the 480-year old Sweet Chestnut tree two special events are taking place in Acton Park this month.
On February 11 there will be the chance to celebrate your four-legged friends with the park’s inaugural dog show!
Taking place on Sunday 11 February, between 11:30m and 4pm, the event will also bring together stalls, crafts and displays for people of all ages to enjoy.
There are 11 dog show classes to enter, with rosettes and prizes on offer for those who come out on top! The categories include:-
Most handsome dog
Prettiest bitch
Best rescue
Waggiest tail
Best cross breed
Golden oldie (7years+)
Best/biggest ears
Scruffiest dog
Dog and owner most alike
Cutest puppy (6-12months)
Best ball catcher
The best in show winner – announced at 3:45pm on the day – will receive a tree planted in the park in honour of their pet.
Organisers hope that lots of enthusiastic pet parents and hopeful little ones will take part to show off their beloved dogs.
Class registration opens at 11.30am and you can continue to enter classes throughout the day. Judging will begin at 12.15pm with the class timetable advertised on the day and in the programme.
Class entry is £1 per category or enter 4 classes for £3! (Cash only). Proceeds will be gifted to Almost Home Dog Rescue, a local charity who have rehomed 1241 dogs to date!
More information about the Acton Park dog show can be found on the Acton Community Council Facebook page.
On Wednesday 14 February between 1pm and 3pm the park will host Love Your Trees – Valentines Special.
This self-guided trail around Acton Park will encourage families and couples to visit twelve significant trees around the park – including the Sweet Chestnut – learning facts about the history and biodiversity of each.
An accompanying ‘love themed’ worksheet for families will also offer chances to win prizes, and a photobooth at the site of the Sweet Chestnut tree will encourage plenty of shares on social media – and hopefully, even more votes! The Love Your Trees Valentines Event is free to attend and open to all.
You can vote for the 480-year-old Sweet Chestnut tree in the European Tree of the Year competition here. Voting closes on February 21.
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